Peruvian Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium peruanum

The Peruvian Pygmy-Owl (also known as the Pacific Pygmy-Owl) is distinctive as it is the only pygmy-owl occurring in the lowlands on the west slope of the Andes. In intermontane valleys, where its range overlaps that of Yungas Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium bolivianum), it is best separated by its vocalizations and preference for dryer habitats. Peruvian Pygmy-Owls commonly hunting diurnally in dry forest and scrub, and frequently inhabit settled areas. Lowland birds are generally more rufous-colored than those occurring at higher elevations, having a paler, more cinnamon-colored appearance. The high-elevation birds tend to be darker gray or brown, with more extensive white spotting throughout. Peruvian Pgymy-Owls were confused until recently with the widespread Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), but the rapid whistled song of Peruvian is very different from the slower toots of Ferruginous.